Player Information:
113th Western Pennsylvania Open Championship
Monday-Wednesday, July 24-26, 2017
Butler Country Club in Butler, PA
The competition is 54 holes of stroke play with a field of 84 players determined via qualifying rounds and exemptions.
Championship Schedule:
Monday, July 24 – Round One, starting times begin at 7:30 AM (18 Holes of Stroke Play)
Tuesday, July 25 – Round Two, starting times begin at 7:15 AM (18 Holes of Stroke Play; Cut to top 32 scores & ties)
Wednesday, July 26 – Round Three, starting times begin at 7:30 AM (18 Holes of Stroke Play for the top 32 & ties after 36 holes)
Format—54 holes of stroke play, with a cut to the top 32 scores and ties after 36 holes. Play is governed by the USGA Rules of Golf. In the event of a tie, a hole by hole playoff will take place on holes to be determined by the Committee as soon as practicable. Merchandise prizes will be awarded to amateurs finishing in the top 20 and the championship purse of $34,000 will be distributed to all professionals making the cut at the Championship.
Tee Markers—Play is from the WPGA tee markers. The starting tee for all rounds will be hole #1. The course will play roughly 6,750 yards depending on conditions and yardages will vary from round to round.
Practice—Practice rounds are available at a rate of $50 (walk) or $75 (cart) as follows:
Wednesday, July 19 after 2:00 PM and Sunday, July 23 after 1:00 PM.
Other dates and times may be available at the discretion of the golf shop and at the prevailing club rate.
Practice rounds are based on availability and must be made in advance by contacting the golf shop at 724-586-6030.
All practice round fees are the responsibility of the player. The practice range will open one hour prior to the first tee time each morning of the competition.
Transportation/Caddies—Walking is required for all rounds of the championship. Players may bring their own caddies if they choose. Caddies must walk in performance of their duties. Butler does offer a limited number of caddies and arrangements must be made in advance. If you wish to employ a club caddie, please contact the Butler golf shop. Caddie expenses are the responsibility of the player. Push trolleys are permitted for the competition.
Lodging—A lodging rate of $114 per night has been arranged for competitors at the Hilton TownePlace Suites-Cranberry. Arrangements must be made by Wednesday, July 19. The hotel is located roughly 15-20 minutes from the club. The TownePlace telephone number is 724-779-7500 and the website can be found here. Please reference “WPGA Golf” when making arrangements. Additional lodging of various prices can be found in the Butler and Cranberry Township areas.
Food & Beverage—Whole fruits, coffee, juices and bottled water will be available for players each morning. Lunch will be provided for players only each day. Bottled water will be supplied on course during all rounds for both players and caddies. All other food & beverage charges are the responsibility of the player.
Locker Room—All players will be assigned a locker for the competition and should see the locker room attendant upon arrival for assignment. The locker room will open an hour prior to the first tee time on each day of the competition.
Pace of Play—The maximum allowable time will be four hours and twenty minutes (4:20). A four-point checkpoint system will be in place for the competition.
Evacuation Plan—In the event of a suspension of play for a dangerous situation, players on holes #1,2(tee/fairway),9,10,11,12(tee/fairway),13(green),14(tee) & 18 should return immediately to the Clubhouse. Players on holes #,12(green),13 (tee/fairway),14(fairway/green) & 15 should go to the Simons House. Players on holes #2(green),3,4,5,6 & 17(tee) should proceed to the Bathroom Area near Hole #6 tee. Players on holes #7 & 8 should go to the shelter near 8 tee. Players on holes #16 & 17 should go to the shelter near 17 tee.
There are 5 shelter points on the golf course: 1. #6 Tee 2. Simons Halfway House 3. #8 Tee 4. #17 Tee 5. Clubhouse
Competitors are to remain at these shelters until the WPGA official in charge decides to either: (1) resume play or (2) bring everyone back to the clubhouse.
Footwear—METAL CLEATS ARE PROHIBITED--PENALTY IS DISQUALIFICATION.
Spectator Info— No spectator carts will be permitted for the competition without pre-approved ADA verification. Please contact the WPGA office regarding the pre-approval process and ADA guidelines. ADA carts are based on availability. Spectators may purchase lunches at their own expense.
Directions to the club can be found here: http://www.butlercc.org
Please inform us as soon as possible if you must withdraw by emailing mrusinko@wpga.org